Eli Lilly develops retatrutide as next-generation weight-loss drug

Eli Lilly is developing a next-generation weight-loss medication called retatrutide, which may surpass the performance of its current blockbuster drug, Zepbound. While Zepbound mimics two hormones (GLP-1 and GIP), retatrutide is designed to mimic three: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon.

Phase 3 clinical trial data indicates significant efficacy for the investigational therapy. In one study involving patients with type 2 diabetes who were overweight or obese, participants lost an average of up to 20.8% of their body weight over 80 weeks. In other trials involving overweight or obese patients, the medicine showed an average weight loss of up to 28.3%.